Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp reportedly wants Manchester City midfielder Rodri if he’s to take over at Real Madrid next season. The German hasn’t been in a management role since leaving Livepool in the summer of 2024.

Los Blancos are currently being overseen by former defender Alvaro Arbeloa, but results under the Spaniard have been patchy despite the club beating Benfica in the knockout play-offs to reach the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.

The Merengues are coming off a disappointing 1-0 La Liga home defeat at Getafe at the weekend, keeping them four points behind leaders Barcelona with 12 games left.

As speculation about Arbeloa’s long-term future mounts, as per Football 365, Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer, Klopp, has emerged as a strong contender to succeed Arbeloa. As per reports in the Spanish media, the German has asked for four departures and as many new signings, including Rodri, which is said to be a ‘non-negotiable’ one.

Fran Garcia, Dani Ceballos, Franco Mastantuono and David Alaba are reported to be the four players to face the axe. In terms of incomings, apart from Rodri, Klopp would also like to have Dortmund centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha and Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz, a Liverpool target.

Rodri, who came up through the ranks at Real’s arch-rivals Atletico, is said to be unwilling to extend his stay at the Etihad beyond the expiry of his current deal in 2027.

However, as per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Klopp is “fully committed” to his current role at Red Bull and that there have been no “direct negotiations” from the Madrid board to bring the German on board.

What’s next for Real Madrid?

Following their 2-1 UEFA Champions League knockout play-off second-leg home win in midweek over Benfica to complete a 3-1 aggregate win, Real Madrid failed to continue their winning momentum, losing to Getafe at home.

Los Blancos will look to return to winning ways when they visit Celta Vigo in the league on Friday (March 6) as they look to close the gap on La Liga leaders Barcelona.

Following that game, Alvaro Arbeloa’s side host Manchester City in a blockbuster Champions League Round of 16 first leg on Wednesday (March 11) before the return at the Etihad six days later. Los Blancos lost 2-1 at home to the Cityzens in the league phase of the competition in December.